The Los Angeles Rams may have lost a generational force with Aaron Donald’s retirement and vocal leader Michael Hoecht’s departure to Buffalo, but they haven’t lost their edge. In fact, the edge might be sharper than ever.
Second-year phenom Jared Verse and rising third-year linebacker Byron Young have stepped confidently into the void — not just as pass rushers, but as the emotional and vocal heartbeats of a young, hungry defensive front. The Rams’ identity on defense is evolving, and these two are leading the charge.
Jared Verse: From Rookie Phenom to Relentless Voice Of The Los Angeles Rams
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Verse didn’t just meet expectations in 2024 — he exploded past them. The former first-round pick led all rookies with the fourth-most pressures leaguewide and captured Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in the process. But heading into 2025, it’s not just his production that’s earning attention — it’s his presence.
Defensive coordinator Chris Shula, who once pointed to Hoecht as the leader of the defensive line room, acknowledged that the mantle has now shifted in Hoecht’s absensce
“It’s fun seeing him take on the growth and step into more of a leadership and vocal role,” Shula said after Friday’s training camp practice. “Mike Hoecht was the voice in that room last year. So he and [Byron Young] have kind of combined to take those roles because they’ve played so much football.”
And if you ask Sean McVay, Verse is louder than ever — literally.
“What other than him still talking and you can’t hear him shut up, ever?” McVay joked. “I love him. I mean, he is never shutting up, but he’s got a relentless energy.”
Verse knows there’s room to grow. That’s why he’s already re-watched every game from his rookie season — the good and the bad — four times over. He’s not settling.
“People are like, ‘Oh, you’re good; you’re good.’ No, I’ve got so much farther to go,” Verse said. “You realize how many bad plays you had with all the accolades. You realize how much you can grow.”
Byron Young: Underrated No More
While Verse earned headlines in 2024, Byron Young has quietly become one of the most consistent edge defenders in the league since being drafted in the third round in 2023. In just two seasons, Young has racked up 15.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, and 32 quarterback hits — all while never missing a game.
Now entering Year 3, Rams outside linebackers coach Joe Coniglio believes Young is just scratching the surface.
“He’s been very intentional going into his third season,” Coniglio said. “I think he’s going to take another step forward in regards to his game, his ability to affect games, his ability to disrupt offenses and be the player that he’s capable of being.”
That next step could pay off in more ways than one. Young is extension-eligible in 2026, and another strong season could put him on the fast track to a lucrative deal — especially in a market that just saw Denver’s Jonathon Cooper earn $54 million after a 10.5-sack campaign.
A New Identity Up Front
The Rams’ defensive line has become one of the most talked-about units in the NFL, with Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner, Poona Ford, Verse and Young forming a five-man front loaded with speed, versatility, and aggression. And it’s the latter two who are setting the tone both on and off the field.
“This defense is loud. We really get after it,” Verse said, echoing what reporters are hearing every day during practice.
NFL Network’s Steve Wyche sees the vision. “If this secondary can start getting more takeaways… this defense could be one of the better defenses in the NFC,” Wyche said.
That possibility hinges in large part on Verse and Young — not just how well they rush the passer, but how they lead, talk, and bring others along. With Donald gone, the Rams needed a new voice on defense.
They got two.
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